Unveiled today at the Shanghai Auto Show, Buick has revealed an updated version of its Riviera Concept, foreshadowing the future look of the brand’s vehicles.
The fourth global concept co-developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) it is said to herald, “the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand,” said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming.
Said to be inspired by the “dynamic nature of water” GM VP of global design Ed Welburn commented that, “It is a great opportunity to share Buick’s future design language and technology strategy.”
Both the new front grille design and wing-shaped daytime running lights will become key parts of Buick’s future design DNA.
Powered by a dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system, the Riviera Concept can act as either an electric vehicle or as a hybrid, and can be charged conventionally or wirelessly. The charge port itself has been integrated into the iconic Buick porthole design.
Technical highlights include four-wheel steering, an air ride suspensions system and GM’s electromagnetic shocks. Looking ahead to the future of safety system it uses 10 high-resolution camera and 18 sensors to watch the road ahead, displaying information on the windshield and making possible a list of features that include everything from blind spot alert and lane departure warning to an autopilot feature.
Buick has made no indication that a production version of the concept is in the works, though the brand did recently trademark the Riviera name indicating that a coupe is set to return to the brand under just such a badge.
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